Summer bills

Why is my summer electric bill so high?

Your summer bill is usually high because you use more power, not because each kWh costs more. In Texas, a kWh costs about the same in August as in April, but homes use about twice as many.

Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 13 October 2026

Is it the price or the usage?

In April 2024, the average Texas home paid about 15.1¢ per kWh. In August 2024, it paid about 14.9¢, almost the same.

But it used 781 kWh in April and 1,570 kWh in August. Its average bill went from about $118 to about $234.

About 95% of Texas homes have air conditioning. It uses about 28% of a home's power over a year, by U.S. Energy Information Administration survey data.

Why does summer matter so much for your plan?

For the average Texas home, June through September account for about 44% of the year's power use. That is why summer weighs so heavily in what a plan really costs you.

Plans are usually compared at 1,000 kWh a month. If your August is far above that, the cheapest-looking plan may not be the cheapest for you.

Are free-nights plans good in summer?

U.S. Energy Information Administration data show summer power use climbing all day and peaking around 5 or 6 p.m.

A free-nights plan charges its daytime price during those hot hours. So check the day price, because that is when your air conditioner works hardest.

Usage or price? Check your own bill

Put this bill next to a spring one, and compare two numbers: the kWh used and the price per kWh.

If the kWh went up, higher usage is the reason. A fixed-price plan cannot raise its price just because it is summer, but a variable-price plan can.

Did the bill jump in a mild month, with the same kWh? Here are the other usual reasons.

What can help with a big summer bill?

Set the thermostat a few degrees higher when you are away, and close the blinds on sunny windows. A ceiling fan also makes a room feel cooler.

Ask your provider for average billing. You pay about the same amount each month instead of one big summer bill. Every provider must offer it if your account is paid up.

The difference is settled at least once a year. It evens out your bills, but it does not lower your yearly cost.

What protects you in extreme heat?

On a heat advisory day in your county, your power cannot be cut off for not paying. That protection lasts for the two days after, too, under Texas rule 16 TAC §25.483.

Can't pay a bill due in July, August or September? Ask your provider for a payment plan, and ask whether it stops you from switching until it is paid.

How do you find a plan that fits your summer?

We estimate what each plan in your ZIP would cost over your own twelve months, summer included. Then we lead with the plan likely to cost you the least over the whole year.

Does your bill show your last 12 months of usage? Upload it, and we will use your real months instead of a guess.

1. Count summer at full size

   June to September is about 44% of the average home's year.

2. Price your August, not 1,000 kWh

   An ad's 1,000 kWh price may not fit your summer.

3. Let the whole year decide

   One estimated cost for the year, and one plan we recommend.

Articles are general information for Texas electricity shoppers. Every cost Power Rate Check shows is an estimate, and the Electricity Facts Label is the provider's official price document — read it before you sign.